Quantum Field Theory With Appl In Condensed Matter Physics

AY2016/2017 Semester 2

This is a first course in quantum field theory (QFT) where we provide an exposition of basic concepts, mathematical techniques and a sketch of various applications in particle theory and many-body problems in condensed matter physics . The foundational topics which will be introduced include path-integral formalism in quantum mechanics and OFT, canonical quantization , Green's functions and Feynman diagrams in perturbation theory. We will touch on the application of these concepts to aspects of quantum electrodynam ics as well as selected modern topics in condensed matter physics for which QFT is a useful framework, such as the fractional quantum hall effect, mean-field theory of superfluids , renormalization group and Landau-Ginzburg theory of critical phenomena.